#HottieHoopCamp was a big part of my life for almost ten years. And in a way, I can’t even describe how pivotal it was, professionally, even more so personally. The perfect storm of becoming who I most wanted to be, or the foundation thereof.

A big part of #HottieHoopCamp was #gettingyourlookdown, so personal expression through what one was wearing. And many of us at camp can’t, couldn’t, or won’t wear things right off the rack.

So think an Edward ScissorsHands/Pretty in Pink mashup and there ya go.

This is my favorite picture of all time showcasing the scissors skills.

So if you want to have a big ass list of how to get #getyourlookdown especially if you are plus size, or as I like to say, kinda fat, then here you go.

These are all vendors, shops, and/or online resources for pinup, retro and rockabilly looks, but most of all they are ways to be self-expressive in your look.

I especially like how Jordan discussed how she plans her wardrobe, that she goes from school to errands to dinner in the same outfit, nothing is low cut because she wanted versatility so her workwear is her everyday wear. And that’s pretty refreshing because how many of us have workwear that we hate, and wouldn’t be caught dead in, except, well, at work. And doesn’t that make us dead inside anyway? Wearing something that you hate? At a place where you earn the dinero? That is a terrible message to give ourselves and work people are gonna pick up on that.

Jordan mentions a couple of times how intrigued work peeps are, both staff and students, with her outfits. One coach calls her Miss Frizzle (hence the title of this post) and students regularly swing by the Library to see what she has on.

RIGHT ON.

Way to inspo the kids who could use it the most IMO. Like, am I right?! Would this have been awesome when you were in middle school? For most of us, the answer is hell yes.

When we talked about style development, She remarked that first, she decided she was attracted to pin up style, that she had always liked the art to put on her walls, and then decided to go for it when she found some options in her sizes.

Next, she decided what looked good on her body, and also what is she comfortable showing. (Hey dear reader, I put resource list for finding what you like on your body under Jordan’s long ass list of fashion resources, FYI. Start there if you feel like you are starting from scratch, but watch the video so you know we are with you.)

Getting excited about accessories came first, and then she decided to buy things she can wear to work or out and about. So she was building outfits around her accessories first, and then eventually had enough depth and options that she could cross-pollinate outfits.

That is where she puts her money, self-expression is key. And this is like a hobby for her, what she spends her time doing and creating.

She also learned to sew basic items that she didn’t want to turn to fast fashion for. Sew a simple top to wear with all the skirts and ornate cardigans, no problem. Learning to sew simple items is extremely liberating.

Takeaways from dress code discussion that we had in video ~* Know the drill, know what the parameters are, and then express yourself. * Learn how to find a way to be both IN it and AROUND it.* Know the employee handbook in and out, or student handbook in and out so you know where the line is, and when you are being fraudulently hassled.* “I’m a loud dresser,” something Jordan actually said when she was recruited/interviewed for a new position at a different school. “Don’t hire me if that isn’t what you want.”

Here are the links to alll the resources mentioned in the closet tour video.

34 min Ethics of clothing* Who makes your clothes * Bales of clothes in landfill* Polyester doesn’t biodegrade* Laser-cut jewelry, do they recycle the trimmings* Utility belt shoutout ~ https://punkrockhoops.com/utilitybelt/* Will you wear it long term

What is a good deal about a cedar chest?* Keeps clothes preserved, * keeps bugs out* Inherited from family members.* Ethical furniture* Put your alternating season wear in here so you have more room in the closet. And when storing clothing for season change is an excellent time to go through our clothes, see what needs to be mended and released.* https://swissvalleyfurniture.com/articles/5-benefits-cedar-chest

* Keeping something special from family, keeping a few pieces, will you wear it?